October 17, 2008
FIRST LADY MICHELLE PAIGE PATERSON HAILS HEALTHY INITIATIVES IN BUFFALO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
School's Commitment to Nutrition and Exercise is a Model for All New York Schools
First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson today applauded the Buffalo Public School District for its innovative nutrition and exercise program that teaches students to eat healthy foods and live active lives. During a visit to Waterfront Elementary School, the First Lady toured the school and learned more about the Healthier Options for Public Schoolchildren (HOPS) program. The program, created by Agatston Research Foundation and implemented in 12 Buffalo schools, compliments First Lady Paterson’s efforts to curb childhood obesity.
“I was thrilled to see how committed Buffalo’s parents, teachers and school officials are to the health and well-being of our children,” said First Lady Paterson. “It’s crucial that we teach our kids the difference between foods that have nutritional value and foods that are just empty calories. For them to have a chance to eat healthy, we must make hearty grains, fresh fruits and vegetables available to them during the school day.”
First Lady Paterson toured the school with several members of the Buffalo Public Schools District, including Chief Academic Officer Dr. Folasade Oladele, Chief Financial and Operations Officer Gary Crosby, Health Related Services Director Assunta Ventresca, and Food Services Director Bridget O'Brien-Wood.
Following HOPS guidelines, 12 Buffalo public schools eliminated unhealthy foods from their cafeterias and replaced them with nutritious, lower-fat, and locally-grown items. The menu incorporates whole grain bread, brown rice, skim milk and smart snacks, such as whole grain sugar cookies and fruits.
“Students who eat well will learn and live well, too. I hope that school districts throughout New York will consider the changes Buffalo schools have made as they evaluate their own food and exercise programs,” said First Lady Paterson.
Buffalo Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Dr. Folasade Oladele said: “I would like to commend New York State First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson for her commitment and dedication towards encouraging healthier lifestyles and choices for children. There is a direct correlation between academic achievement and health. Research has shown that healthier students achieve greater academic success and it is critically important to solve the childhood obesity crisis across the country.”
The First Lady has spent her career working in health care, and has made the health and wellness of New York’s children her top priority. Earlier this year, as a private citizen, she created Healthy Steps to Albany, a program to encourage middle school students to exercise. The pilot program was launched in Harlem, and the middle school class that walked the most steps was invited to the Governor’s Mansion in Albany for a healthy lunch with the Governor and First Lady.
